2023 Wye Valley & Hereford

Itinerary

Quintessential England

Day 1 After joining your holiday coach, relax and enjoy the scenery as you head through the charming Cotswolds. Make a stop in Burford with its famous High Street which sweeps downhill towards the River Windrush, its medieval bridge and impressive church. Both sides of the street are flanked by an unbroken line of ancient houses and shops.  Onward to check into your hotel for 4 nights with breakfast & dinner.

Day 2 - 4 At leisure with 3 included excursions and one optional excursion (or a leisure day in Hereford)

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
Ludlow & Leominster 
Head off to lovely Ludlow - a delightful small town in south Shropshire, very near the border with Wales. The bustling open-air market is held every Wednesday in Ludlow town square with over forty stalls offering fresh produce, cheeses, books and local crafts. You may like to visit the impressive Ludlow Castle, dating back to 1085 (admission applies - approx. £8 pp) or just relax at the popular Millennium Green.  Ludlow's townscape, based on the original medieval town plan, has fine examples of architecture from the Medieval, Tudor and Georgian periods. Make a stop in Leominster and meander around its historic streets including Drapers Lane with its medieval overhangs before arriving at The Square which is surrounded by black and white buildings. There are antique shops at every turn!

Ross-on-Wye & Symonds Yat 
Embraced by the River Wye, hilly Ross-on-Wye is an inviting place to potter. With its picturesque location and stunning 17th century Market Hall and Tudor timbered houses, it’s hardly surprising Ross-on-Wye is regarded as one of the loveliest towns in the UK. You can browse independent shops, saunter alongside the town’s 19th-century mock-Gothic walls and Gazebo Tower folly and admire pastel-hued dwellings tumbling down the hillside to the river. The spire of St Mary's church has shaped the town's skyline for over 700 years. Head onto the renowned beauty spot of Symonds Yat, one of the most iconic and beautiful locations in the Dean Wye. The coach can take you to Symonds Yat West where you will find the Butterfly Zoo, Riverside Bar and it is from here that you board your included 40 minute cruise along the River Wye (subject to river conditions). There are steps with handrails to board

Hereford - Leisure Day
Off to Hereford, the Cathedral City with the relaxed atmosphere of a country market town. Its origin dates back to Saxon times and today visitors delight in the harmony of a rich heritage and modern facilities. The Black and White House Museum is a beautifully conserved 17th century house, furnished in period style. (Small admission charge applies and not included). Make sure to drop into Hereford's grand cathedral, home to the magnificent Mappa Mundi, the famous medieval map which shows how scholars interpreted the world over 700 years ago (admission approx. £6). 

OR

OPTIONAL EXCURSION
Black & White Villages Trail 
Continue on from Hereford to follow the scenic Black & White Villages trail to visit some of the delightful medieval villages which have some of the prettiest half-timbered buildings in the country, sitting in the midst of tranquil orchards and farmland. Eardisland is a delight with its picturesque riverside setting, Pembridge's main street is lined with beautiful timber-framed buildings of all shape and sizes and ancient Weobley feels like stepping back in time. Atmospheric lovely tearooms and cosy pubs abound. Return to the hotel via Hereford

Day 5 Depart the hotel this morning to head back to your home towns via interchange Back to top

Accommodation

Stourport Manor Hotel

(Change of hotel from page 45 of the 2023 brochure)

Set in a lovely countryside location, this secluded Victorian 4* country house hotel was the former home of Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin. It offers a relaxing environment in a peaceful setting. Guestrooms are traditional in style and all are equipped with TV, hairdryer and tea / coffee making facilities. There is no lift but ground floor rooms are available. There is a cosy restaurant, traditional bar and a modern lounge plus an outside terrace with seating. Leisure facilities include an indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, spa bath and gym Back to top